England have named uncapped
Michael Lumb as well as wicketkeeper-batsman
Craig Kieswetter and recalled
Ravi Bopara and
Michael Yardy in their final 15-man ICC World Twenty20 squad.

There is no place on the trip to the West Indies at the end of this month for Matt Prior , England relying on Kieswetter behind the stumps and accommodating Yardy as an extra spinner and Bopara’s batting.

Michael Lumb

South Africa-born pair Kieswetter and Lumb’s inclusion gives England exciting new Twenty20 options at the top of the batting order.

Bopara returns after being dropped following a poor run of form in last summer’s Ashes and then being left out of England squads throughout the winter.

Both the Essex batsman and Lumb have made recent eye-catching runs in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

National selector Geoff Miller explained the advantage of deploying Kieswetter as an opener, and therefore freeing up a place lower down for either an extra specialist or another bowling option.

“On the recent tour of Bangladesh, Craig Kieswetter showed what he is capable of in international limited-overs cricket – and as a wicketkeeper at the top of the order, he gives us options down the order,” he said.

“Craig has improved over time, and his selection indicates real competition for places – which is only healthy for the England team.

“Despite missing selection for this format of the game, Matt Prior very much remains in the England set-up and a part of our plans.”